Marine awning system

ABSTRACT

Linear actuated, curved awning systems with sensors are attachable to boat wheelhouses, superstructures or tops to provide additional cover and protection from weather and sun in areas outside of a boat top. The sensors connect the awning systems to an internet of things to monitor and control a state of the systems.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This utility patent application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/565,228, filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Sep. 29, 2017, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Hardtops, conning towers, wheelhouses and the like are known in the marine or maritime industry. Many boats, such as fishing vessels, cruisers, and yachts, utilize superstructures such as elevated tops with windscreens, windshields, or windows to shield boaters from sea spray, rain, and wind.

Conventional boat superstructures provide insufficient protection beyond a boat tower. For instance, if the boat is at anchor for the crew or passengers to work, fish or relax aft of the wheelhouse, they will be in the sunshine for extended periods without cover and shade.

What is needed in the marine industry is a system for providing cover outside of boat superstructures.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed in general to a compact awning system for boats. The awning system is mountable to existing boat superstructures such as conning towers and boat tops. When retracted, the awning system is concealed, and when extended is sufficiently sturdy to weather harsh maritime environments.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a marine awning system for boats may include a boat top having a compartment therein; a cassette disposed in the compartment, the cassette further comprising a base mated in the compartment and a bezel disposed adjacent the base in a first condition and movable away from the base in a second condition; a cover interposed between the base and the bezel and configured to be extendable from the base, the cover including a plurality of battens urging the cover into a curved state in the second condition, the bezel movable with the cover; and a sensor in communication with one of a smart phone, a computer and a server, or combinations thereof, the sensor configured to sense a position of the cover or a maintenance condition of the cover and being further configured to command, in conjunction with the command device, the base to change from the first condition to the second or vice versa and to alert a user of the maintenance condition.

The marine awning system may also include a rod disposed in the cassette in which the cover is reelable onto the rod. A compression arm may be connected to the base and to the bezel, the arm having a force constant urging the arm to the second condition. A power source may be in communication with the cassette wherein the power source can be wirelessly commanded or controlled by the sensor in conjunction with the command device to open the cassette and move the cover and the bezel to the second condition.

In another embodiment, a marine awning system for a boat top having a compartment therein may include a cassette disposed in a recess of a superstructure in which the cassette, may have a base mated in the recess; a bezel disposed adjacent the base in a first condition and movable away from the base in a second condition; a cover interposed between the base and the bezel and configured to be extendable or unrolled or unfurled from the base, the cover including a plurality of battens urging the cover into a curved state in the second condition, the bezel movable with the cover; a linear actuator connected to the base and to the bezel, the linear actuator being configured to move the cover to one of the first condition and the second condition; a sensor in communication with one of a smart phone, a computer and a server, the Sensor configured to sense a position of the cover or a maintenance condition of the cover and being further configured to command the base to change from the first condition to the second or vice versa and to alert a user of the maintenance condition.

The marine awning system may also include a rod disposed in the cassette, the cover reelable onto the rod, and the linear actuator may be configured to urge the cover into a third, transient condition between the first condition and the second condition. The marine awning system may also a power source to activate the linear actuator. The cassette, its power source, its sensor, the smart phone, the computer and the server may all operate and communicate wirelessly with each other, or via satellite or cellular towers for remote communication.

Additional objects and advantages of the present subject matter are set forth in, or will be apparent to, those of ordinary skill in the art from the description herein. Also, it should be further appreciated that modifications and variations to the specifically illustrated, referenced, and discussed features, processes, and elements hereof may be practiced in various embodiments and uses of the disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter. Variations may include, but are not limited to, substitution of equivalent means, features, or steps for those illustrated, referenced, or discussed, and the functional, operational, or positional reversal of various parts, features, steps, or the like. Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and aspects of the various embodiments, and others, upon review of the remainder of the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a water vessel employing a marine awning system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the water vessel as in FIG. 1 particularly showing installation of the marine awning system according to another aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the marine awning system as in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of components of the marine awning system as in FIGS. 1 and 2 with a cover removed for clarity;

FIG. 5 is a partial, detailed view of a portion of the marine awning system as in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is partial, detailed view of another portion of the marine awning system as in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a partial elevational and cutaway view of the portion of the marine awning system as in FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational, partially cutaway view of the marine awning system as in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3;

FIG. 9 is a partial, perspective view of a marine awning system in a closed position or first state according to another aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 10 is perspective view of a portion of the marine awning system as in FIG. 9 in a partially open position;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the portion of the marine awning system as in FIGS. 9 and 10 in another partially open position;

FIG. 12 is a partial, perspective view of the marine awning system in an open position or second state as in FIGS. 9-11;

FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of the portion of the marine awning system as in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another portion of the marine awning system as in FIG. 9;

FIG. 15 is a schematic, perspective view of another embodiment of a marine awning system in an internet of things configuration; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of components of the marine awning system as in FIG. 15 with a cover removed for clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Detailed reference will now be made to the drawings in which examples embodying the present subject matter are shown. The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features of the drawings.

The drawings and detailed description provide a full and written description of the present subject matter, and of the manner and process of making and using various exemplary embodiments, so as to enable one skilled in the pertinent art to make and use them, as well as the best mode of carrying out the exemplary embodiments. However, the examples set forth in the drawings and detailed descriptions are provided by way of explanation only and are not meant as limitations of the disclosure. The present subject matter thus includes any modifications and variations of the following examples as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Although detailed embodiments are disclosed as required, it is to be understood that the embodiments are merely exemplary. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In the event that there is a plurality of definitions for a term herein, those in this section prevail unless stated otherwise.

Wherever the phrase “for example,” “such as,” “including” and the like are used herein, the phrase “and without limitation” is understood to follow unless explicitly stated otherwise. Similarly, “an example,” “exemplary” and the like are understood to be non-limiting.

The term “substantially” allows for deviations from the descriptor that do not negatively impact the intended purpose. Descriptive terms are understood to be modified by the term “substantially” even if the word “substantially” is not explicitly recited.

The term “about” when used in connection with a numerical value refers to the actual given value, and to the approximation to such given value that would reasonably be inferred by one of ordinary skill in the art, including approximations due to the experimental and or measurement conditions for such given value.

The terms “comprising” and “including” and “having” and “involving” (and similarly “comprises”, “includes,” “has,” and “involves”) and the like are used interchangeably and have the same meaning. Specifically, each of the terms is defined consistent with the common United States patent law definition of “comprising” and is therefore interpreted to be an open term meaning “at least the following,” and is also interpreted not to exclude additional features, limitations, aspects, etcetera. Thus, for example, “a device having components a, b, and c” means that the device includes at least components a, b and c. Similarly, the phrase: “a method involving steps a, b, and c” means that the method includes at least steps a, b, and c.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

Any discussion of prior art in the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

The various embodiments of the disclosure and/or equivalents falling within the scope of present disclosure overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or provide a useful alternative.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 shows a marine awning system, generally designated by the number 10, installed in an intended use environment; e.g., in or on a water vessel or boat 1. Here, the proposed system is a compact, one-piece marine awning cassette or system 10 weighing approximately forty pounds (40 lbs.) and having a tarpaulin, cover or awning 12 and a facia, bezel, or faceplate 14. As shown, the marine awning system 10 is in an open or second condition or state extending from a boat top opening, pocket, compartment or recess 3 as indicated by the arrow directed towards the stem of the boat 1. The marine awning system 10 is attachable to an existing superstructure or boat top 5, preferably in the boat top opening 3 of the boat top 5 to provide a seamless appearance when the awning system 10 is in a closed or first condition or state. The cover 12, as shown, may include fiberglass, wood, metal, or plastic strips or battens 13 for structural support and to cause the cover 12 to open into a curved state or curvature as shown in FIG. 1 such that sea spray or rain will roll off the cover 12 and not puddle or collect on its top surface. The battens 13 may be attached to a surface of the cover 12, or as shown here in phantom, embedded within the cover 12. More specifically, as the marine awning system 10 opens into its second state from a transitioning or third state, the battens 13, which have a spring constant that urges them into a curved state, will pop, spring, or open into the state of curvature as shown. When the marine awning system 10 is closed to the first state, the battens 13 are urged into a flat condition and are sufficiently flexible to roll up such that the awning 12 can be rolled up within the pocket 3. In an alternative aspect, the awning 12 could be retracted into the boat top 5 via the opening 3 while remaining in the open state within the boat top 5.

FIG. 2 shows the marine awning system 10 in its closed state. Here, the marine awning system 10 is removed from the compartment 3 in the boat top 5 to show that the marine awning system 10 is a unitary, compact cassette. A facia or cover 14 mates to a main housing or base 16 in the closed position. The housing 16 is attached to the boat superstructure, for example, within the compartment 3.

FIG. 3 most clearly shows the marine awning system 10 as in FIG. 1. Here, the cover 12 and bezel 14 are shown extended from the base unit 16, which is inserted in the opening 3 (see FIG. 2). The bezel 14 is carried by a pair of hydraulically actuated, air compression, and/or electrically actuated, linear arm systems 18, 20. Here, the system 18 has a bendable or foldable arm 22 with a piston 24 that causes the arm 22 to open and close. Similarly, the system 20 has a bendable or foldable arm 26 with a piston 28 that causes the arm 26 to open and close.

In FIG. 4, a portion of the marine awning system 10 from FIG. 3 is shown without the cover 12 for further clarity. Here again, the bezel 14 is shown extended from the base unit 16 by a pair of hydraulically actuated or electronically actuated linear arm systems 18, 20. The foldable arm 22 and the piston 24 of the system 18 is shown relative to the foldable arm 26 and the piston 28 of the complementary system 20 to open and close the marine awning system 10.

FIG. 5 shows one of the systems 18 most clearly. Here, respective ends of the piston 24 are arranged within raceways or channels 30, 32. In operation, the end of the piston 24 within the raceway 30 may be anchored with screws, bolts or the like, and when the marine awning system 10 is opened, the end of the piston 24 within the raceway 32 is forced to slide as indicated by the large arrow. More particularly, the piston 24 may be under constant hydraulic or air pressure such that when released, the piston 24 naturally pushes the arm 22 toward an open position.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show an end portion of the base 16 with the cover 12 being rollable or spoolable onto a rod, reel, or roller 34 that may protrude or extend from the base 16. Ends of the roller 34 may fit into a channel or slot (not shown) in the compartment 3 (see FIG. 1) to anchor the system 10 in a boat top 5. Additionally, or alternatively, the base 16 can snap into or rest in the compartment 3.

FIG. 8 shows the base 16 as in FIGS. 6 and 7 with the cover 12 unrolled or unfurled from the rod 34 in the marine awning system 10. Here, the bezel 14 projects from the base 16 with the cover 12 therebetween. The hydraulically actuated arm system 20, introduced above, is opened such that the foldable arm 26 and the piston 28 are fully extended.

Now with regard to FIGS. 9 through 14, according to another embodiment of the disclosure a prototype awning system 110 includes a cover 112 attached between a bezel 114 and a base unit 116, which is attached in a boat top opening such as compartment 3 in FIG. 2. Here, the bezel 114 is carried by a pair of hydraulically actuated or air compression arm systems 118, 120. The system 120, for instance, has a bendable or foldable arm 120 with a piston 128 that causes an arm 126 to open and close. The arm systems 118, 120 may be electrically actuated using a power cable 136.

More particularly, FIG. 10 shows power being applied and the system 110 in a partially opened or opening state. Similarly, FIG. 11 shows the system 110 opened farther, and FIG. 12 shows the system 110 in a nearly opened or fully extended state.

FIG. 13 shows the arm system 120, particularly the arm 126 with the piston 128 attached thereto that causes the arm 126 to open and close. Although the piston 128 is shown attached externally to the arm 126, the piston 128 could be embedded or built within the arm 126. FIG. 14 particularly shows pins 140 used to attached pistons 128 to cause the arms 126 to open and close the system 110.

FIG. 15 shows a Marine Awning System, generally designated by the number 210, installed in an intended use environment; i.e., in or on a water vessel or boat 21. Here, the proposed system is a compact, one-piece marine awning cassette or system 210 weighing approximately forty pounds (40 lbs.) and having a tarpaulin., cover or awning 212 and a facia, bezel, or faceplate 214. As shown, the marine awning system 210 is in an open or second condition or state extending from a boat top opening, pocket, compartment or recess 23 as indicated by the arrow directed towards the stern of the boat 21. The marine awning system 210 is attachable to an existing superstructure or boat top 25, preferably in the boat top opening 23 of the boat top 25 to provide a seamless appearance when the awning system 210 is in a closed or first condition or state. The cover 212, as shown, may include fiberglass, wood, metal, or plastic strips or battens 213 for structural support and to cause the cover 212 to open into a curved state or curvature as shown in FIG. 15 such that sea spray or rain will roll off the cover 212 and not puddle or collect on its top surface. Specifically, as the marine awning system 210 opens into its second state from a transitioning or third state, the battens 213, which have a spring constant that urges them into a curved state, will pop or open into the state of curvature as shown. When the marine awning system 210 is closed to the first state, the battens 213 are urged into a flat condition and are sufficiently flexible to roll up such that the awning 212 can be rolled up within the pocket 23.

As shown, a sensor 238 may be placed within or near the awning 212 or in the compartment 23 to wirelessly communicate with a remotely positioned command device 240 such as a smart phone, a laptop, a tablet, or a computer, a server and combinations thereof. The remote communication may utilize a Bluetooth™ equipped device, or may be via a cell tower or satellite. The sensor 238 is programmed to sense a position of the cover 212 or a maintenance condition of the cover 212. The remotely positioned device 240 can command the system 210 to change the cover 212 from a first closed condition or state to a second open condition or state, or vice versa and to alert a user of the maintenance condition the system 210, such as whether an actuator needs adjustment or if the awning 212 is damaged.

Turning now to FIG. 16, a portion of the marine awning system 210 from FIG. 15 is shown without the cover 212 for further clarity. Here again, the bezel 214 is shown extended from the base unit 216 by a pair of hydraulically actuated or electronically actuated linear arm systems 218, 220. The foldable aim 222 and the piston 224 of the system 218 is shown relative to the foldable arm 226 and the piston 228 of the complementary system 220 to open and close the marine awning system 210. The sensor 238 in this example is installed on the base unit 216 and is programmed to sense a position of the cover 212 (see FIG. 15) or a maintenance condition of the cover 212. The sensor 238 may include a proximity device to sense the range or distance of the bezel 214 from the base unit 216. The sensor 238 may also sense whether one of the arm systems 218, 220 is not functioning properly such as not fully opening or closing and halt the process before damage can occur. The sensor 238 will send an alert to the remotely positioned device 240 (see FIG. 15) alerting a user that the marine awning system 210 needs service.

Exemplary Embodiments

Embodiment 1. A marine awning system for boats, comprising a boat top having a compartment therein; a cassette disposed in the compartment, the cassette further comprising a base mated in the compartment and a bezel disposed adjacent the base in a first condition and movable away from the base in a second condition; and a cover interposed between the base and the bezel and configured to be unfurled from the base, the cover including a plurality of battens urging the cover into a curved state in the second condition, the bezel movable with the cover; and a sensor disposed in the cassette, the sensor in communication with a command device selected from the group consisting of a smart phone, a computer and a server, the sensor configured to sense a position of the cover or a maintenance state of the cover and being further configured to command, in conjunction with the command device, the base to change from the first condition to the second or vice versa.

Embodiment 2. The marine awning system as in embodiment 1, further comprising a rod disposed in the cassette, the cover reelable onto the rod.

Embodiment 3. The marine awning system as in embodiments 1-2, further comprising a compression arm connected to the base and to the bezel, the arm having a force constant urging the arm to the second condition.

Embodiment 4. The marine awning system as in any of the foregoing embodiments, further comprising a power source in communication with the cassette, the power source being commandable by the sensor in conjunction with the command device to open the cassette and move the cover and the bezel to the second condition.

Embodiment 5. A marine awning system for a boat top having a compartment therein, the marine awning system comprising a cassette disposed in a recess of a superstructure, the cassette including a base mated in the recess; a bezel disposed adjacent the base in a first condition and movable away from the base in a second condition; a cover interposed in a roll between the base and the bezel and configured to be unrolled from the base, the cover including a plurality of battens urging the cover into a curved state in the second condition, the bezel movable with the cover; a linear actuator connected to the base and to the bezel, the linear actuator being configured to move the cover to one of the first condition and the second condition; and a sensor in communication with one of a command device, the sensor configured to sense a position of the cover or a maintenance condition of the cover and being further configured to command, in conjunction with the command device, the base to change from the first condition to the second or vice versa and to alert a user of the maintenance condition.

Embodiment 6. The marine awning system as in embodiment 5, further comprising a rod disposed in the cassette, the cover reelable onto the rod.

Embodiment 7. The marine awning system as in embodiments 5-6, wherein the linear actuator is further configured to urge the cover into a third transient condition between the first condition and the second condition.

Embodiment 8. The marine awning system as in embodiments 5-7, wherein the linear actuator is in communication with a power source to activate the linear actuator.

Embodiment 9. The marine awning system as in embodiments 5-8, wherein the command device is one of a smart phone, a computer and a server.

While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily produce alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations and/or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. 

That which is claimed is:
 1. A marine awning system for boats, comprising: a boat top having a compartment therein; a cassette disposed in the compartment, the cassette further comprising: a base mated in the compartment and a bezel disposed adjacent the base in a first condition and movable away from the base in a second condition; and a cover interposed between the base and the bezel and configured to be unfurled from the base, the cover including a plurality of battens urging the cover into a curved state in the second condition, the bezel movable with the cover; and a sensor disposed in the cassette, the sensor in communication with a command device selected from the group consisting of a smart phone, a computer, a server and combinations thereof, the sensor configured to sense a position of the cover or a maintenance state of the cover and being further configured to command, in conjunction with the command device, the base to change from the first condition to the second or vice versa.
 2. The marine awning system as in claim 1, further comprising a rod disposed in the cassette, the cover reelable onto the rod.
 3. The marine awning system as in claim 1, further comprising a compression arm connected to the base and to the bezel, the arm having a force constant urging the arm to the second condition.
 4. The marine awning system as in claim 1, further comprising a power source in communication with the cassette, the power source being commandable by the sensor in conjunction with the command device to open the cassette and move the cover and the bezel to the second condition.
 5. A marine awning system for a boat top having a compartment therein, the marine awning system comprising: a cassette disposed in a recess of a superstructure, the cassette including: a base mated in the recess; a bezel disposed adjacent the base in a first condition and movable away from the base in a second condition; a cover interposed between the base and the bezel and configured to be extendable from the base, the cover including a plurality of battens urging the cover into a curved state in the second condition, the bezel movable with the cover; a linear actuator connected to the base and to the bezel, the linear actuator being configured to move the cover to one of the first condition and the second condition; and a sensor in communication with one of a command device, the sensor configured to sense a position of the cover or a maintenance condition of the cover and being further configured to command, in conjunction with the command device, the base to change from the first condition to the second or vice versa and to alert a user of the maintenance condition.
 6. The marine awning system as in claim 5, wherein the linear actuator is further configured to urge the cover into a third transient condition between the first condition and the second condition.
 7. The marine awning system as in claim 5, wherein the linear actuator is in communication with a power source to activate the linear actuator.
 8. The marine awning system as in claim 5, wherein the command device is one of a smart phone, a computer and a server.
 9. The marine awning system as in claim 5, further comprising a rod disposed in the cassette, the cover reelable onto the rod. 